In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey welcomes Leah Steinkirch, counselor, creative, and COO of Prowess Project. Leah’s path has taken her from counseling and corporate work to stay-at-home motherhood, side hustles, and now helping moms re-enter the workforce with flexible, meaningful careers. She shares how motherhood reshaped her trajectory, why she calls her career a “patchwork quilt,” and how flexibility became her greatest strength. Leah also opens up about thriving as an introvert, the soft skills moms bring to the table, and the importance of boundaries. Tune in as Sharon and Leah explore transferable mom skills, re-entering the workforce, and how saying no can open the door to what really matters. Leah’s journey is a reminder that creativity, courage, and impact can flourish in every season. [00:00] Introduction [01:39] Meet Leah Steinkirch [02:45] Choosing family life and the creative itch that wouldn’t quit [04:49] A patchwork quilt career path before motherhood [07:00] Flexibility as a superpower [10:46] The spark that grew into Prowess Project [14:05] Thriving as an introvert in a world of visionaries [18:26] The overlooked soft skills moms bring to the workforce [22:30] Timing, boundaries, and the power of saying “no” [27:11] Redefining success from limits to secret strengths [28:23] Creating more impact Meet my guest Leah Steinkirch: Website: prowessproject.com Instagram: @prowessproject LinkedIn: Leah Steinkirch Signal Awards Vote Here: https://bit.ly/3VMjwlX Looking for More? Join the Mom To MORE® Community and grab your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and now on Pinterest. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #48 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon joined by Beth Stewart, CEO of Trewstar, placing outstanding candidates on corporate boards. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode, Sharon Macey welcomes Kate Kennedy — writer, minister, nonprofit founder, and mom of four. Kate’s path has taken her from TV producer to ministry, to founding the Boyce Ansley School in Atlanta for children experiencing homelessness. Her debut memoir, Once Upon a School: A Story of Dreaming Big, Falling Hard, and Bouncing Back shares the grit and heart behind that extraordinary journey. Kate opens up about her years as a stay-at-home mom, the identity shifts of raising four kids, and how “mom skills” became her foundation for leadership. Today, as Minister in Community at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and a doctoral student in creative writing and public theology, she continues to explore faith and purpose in new ways. Sharon and Kate discuss the power of noticing just one person’s need, finding your voice, and the surprising ways motherhood equips us for leadership. It’s a conversation about reinvention, falling hard, resilience, and how embracing “just being” can be the most radical act of all. [00:00] Introduction [02:39] Meet Kate Kennedy [02:48] Choosing to stay home and embracing motherhood fully [05:13] Identity shifts and the crisis of “who am I now?” [08:57] The moment that sparked the idea for a school [12:05] Founding the Boyce Ansley School for children without housing [14:00] Balancing family life while launching a nonprofit [15:55] Transferable mom skills that became leadership superpowers [18:40] Writing Once Upon a School and what the journey taught her [35:44] Kate’s MORE and the power of simply being Meet my guest Kate Kennedy: Website: KateKennedyWrites.com Instagram: @kate_kennedy_writes Book: Once Upon a School: A Story of Dreaming Big, Falling Hard, and Bouncing Back. Barnes & Noble: https://go.sylikes.com/eY7COy6iyWhG (Also available on Amazon and Bookshop.org) Looking for More? Join the Mom To MORE® Community and grab your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and now on Pinterest. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #47 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon joined by Leah Steinkirch, COO of Prowess Project. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
We’re hitting rewind with this archive replay, featuring Alison Bruhn’s inspiring reinvention and her journey to creating a bold new chapter in life. In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by guest Alison Bruhn, the mom of the mother-daughter duo who founded The Style That Binds Us - the original next-generation women’s media company and community. Alison is a national style and image consultant based in New York City with clients across the country. Alison reinvented herself in her 50s when she studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and later co-founded The Style That Binds Us with her daughter, Delia Folk. The purpose of her work is to empower women through creating a visual brand and transforming their style to ignite a new path of confidence and independence. Alison's expertise is frequently called upon by top-tier publications including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Forbes, HuffPost, Bustle, Well+Good, Elle, Condé Nast Traveler, People, InStyle, The Everygirl, Brides, Southern Bride & more, as well as public speaking engagements & podcast interviews. Join Sharon and Alison as they discuss overcoming societal expectations, embracing change and the importance of growth and learning at all ages. Alison overcame her fear of other people’s opinions of an appropriate career and followed her own unique interests. Her story shows us that it's never too late to pursue your passions, take risks and create a new path forward. [00:00] Introduction [02:02] Alison’s background and her reasoning for being a SAHM [05:44] The benefits of women's intuition and what sparked Alison’s reinvention [09:15] Pursuing personal fulfillment through fashion. [11:21] Rediscovering forgotten passions. [16:30] New business endeavors and tips on building a core professional wardrobe. [18:58] Pushing the envelope and having the courage to try new things. [22:14] The many skills you have to offer as a mom. [22:56] Life over 40 and having each other’s backs. [28:19] Alison shares style tips. [32:11] Staying busy and surrounding yourself with friends of different ages. [37:11] Where to find Alison and The Style That Binds Us. Learn more about The Style That Binds Us: Website: https://thestylethatbindsus.com/ Instagram: @thestylethatbindsus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestylethatbindsus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFVuT_XmJMPPnrK7rjGbIw Looking for more? Follow along @sharonmaceywrites on Instagram and @momtomore on Tiktok. Keep an eye out for episode #46 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Kate Kennedy, Theologian, minister, and founder of an Atlanta school changing the future for kids experiencing homelessness. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey welcomes Kanika Chadda Gupta — former CNN anchor, award-winning podcast host, and mom of three (including twins). Known as the “Media Mom of Multiples,” Kanika blends motherhood and media on her own terms as the creator of That’s Total Mom Sense, a top-rated parenting podcast featuring guests like Chelsea Clinton, Kelly Rowland, America Ferrera, and Bobbi Brown. Kanika’s dream since childhood was to be both a television anchor and a mom. After years in broadcast journalism, she pivoted to digital media and podcasting to prioritize family while pursuing purpose. She shares candidly about raising three kids under three, finding her rhythm, and setting boundaries that protect both career and home life. Tune in as Sharon and Kanika talk about the power of “mom sense” (that built-in intuition), pushing past fear, and how motherhood sharpens leadership skills. Kanika offers practical tips for pitching partnerships, managing time with intention, and embracing pivots without losing yourself. It’s an inspiring conversation about legacy, reinvention, and cherishing the small moments. [00:00] Introduction [01:54] Meet Kanika Chadda Gupta [05:02] From childhood dream to CNN anchor [06:48] Life with three kids under three [08:54] Creating non-negotiable boundaries for work and family [10:10] The shower epiphany that sparked That’s Total Mom Sense [14:44] Pitching and winning brand partnerships with Meta and Lexus [18:24] Overcoming fears and finding confidence in reinvention [24:39] Memorable podcast interviews with Chelsea Clinton and Kelly Rowland [28:59] Mom skills that became leadership skills [32:37] Legacy, priorities, and Kanika’s “more” Meet my guest Kanika Chadda Gupta: Website: https://kanikachaddagupta.com/ Instagram: @kanikachaddagupta Podcast: That’s Total Mom Sense (available wherever you listen to podcasts) Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Get your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com Keep an eye out for episode #45 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon revisits a past episode of the pod with guest Alison Bruhn, cofounder of The Style That Binds Us. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey welcomes Terry Grahl—former interior designer turned nonprofit founder, who traded business success for a mission of hope and healing. As the visionary behind Enchanted Makeovers, Terry transforms shelters for women and children into sacred spaces filled with beauty, dignity, and self-worth. Terry’s journey began not with a grand plan, but with a paintbrush—and a shelter visit that changed everything. Since founding Enchanted Makeovers in 2006, her work has been featured by People Magazine, HUD, and honored by Sheryl Crow at the MLB All-Star Game. But her most powerful tool remains love—woven into every cape, doll, and room she helps transform. Tune in as Sharon and Terry talk about creativity as a survival tool, listening to your inner child, and how motherhood prepared her for nonprofit leadership. Terry shares how the everyday skills of parenting—planning, organizing, showing up—laid the foundation for running a mission-driven organization. It’s a conversation about real-life experience, small steps, and the unexpected ways our past prepares us for what’s next. [00:00] Introduction [01:40] Meet Terry Grahl [04:07] Becoming a stay-at-home mom and why it was Terry’s “best decision” [05:17] Growing up with homelessness and bullying [06:13] The abandoned house Terry’s mother transformed into a home [07:48] The moment Terry walked into a shelter and how it changed everything [10:21] Terry’s mission for dignity, hope, and healing [10:48] The Sacred Sewing Room and Capes for Kids [17:11] Mom skills that turned out to be leadership skills [21:54] From programs to picture books and what’s next for Enchanted Makeovers Meet my guest Terry Grahl: Website: EnchantedMakeovers.org Instagram: @enchantedmakeovers Facebook: facebook.com/enchantedmakeovers Terry’s books: The Little Porcupine and its Traveling Pillowcase The Little Bear Who Loved its Handmade Dolls The Little Bluebird Who Forgot it Could Fly Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Get your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com Keep an eye out for episode #44 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Kanika Chadda Gupta, Former CNN Journalist, CEO of Kronologie Agency and host of the top-rated podcast, That’s Total Mom Sense. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
What happens when a mom sees kids struggling to read – and realizes there is no tool out there good enough to help them? She jumps in to help. And in doing so, creates a company that solves this far-reaching problem. In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Deb Mallin—a former stay-at-home mom turned educator, literacy advocate, and founder of Mighty Doodle, an AI-powered ed-tech app revolutionizing how children with learning differences are taught to read. With over 30 years of experience and a personal connection to dyslexia and learning challenges through her own son, Deb is on a mission to ensure that every child learns in a way that works for them. Motherhood wasn’t a detour for Deb—it was a masterclass in leadership. From raising three boys in Minneapolis to helping struggling readers thrive, she turned everyday experiences into powerful tools for change. What started as a challenge at the dinner table – over reheated Costco chicken pot pie – became Mighty Doodle—a nationwide literacy solution rooted in joy and science. Tune in as Sharon and Deb explore how motherhood shaped her startup mindset, how she reluctantly (at first) stepped into this bold new chapter, and how age is never a limit. With humor, heart, and hard-won wisdom, Deb shows us that your “more” might be just one brave moment away. [00:00] Meet Deb Mallin [02:10] Reframing stay-at-home motherhood as recalibration [04:30] How raising three boys built CEO-level resilience [06:00] The joy of teaching—and letting go—of her students [10:02] The family dinner that sparked Mighty Doodle [16:00] How motherhood skills powered her startup [20:15] Going direct-to-consumer and reaching thousands [25:00] Reinvention after 50 and social media trial by fire [28:13] Deb’s advice for moms ready to go from dreaming to doing Meet my guest Deb Mallin: Website: MightyDoodle.com Instagram: @mightydoodle LinkedIn: Deb Mallin TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mightydoodle?lang=en Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #43 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Terry Grahl, Founder, Visionary and CEO of Enchanted Makeovers. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey welcomes Cristan Crocker—a former actress turned stay-at-home mom turned celebrated documentary filmmaker and producer. Known for powerful projects like The Other F Word and Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie, Cristan is co-founder of Rare Bird Films, where she tells stories that unpack identity, challenge societal norms, and celebrate change. Cristan shares how raising twin boys and a third son in the Pacific Palisades shaped her creative lens, giving her new perspective, purpose, and persistence. Deeply committed to both family and filmmaking, she and her producing partner carved out space for storytelling during school hours—proving that big ideas can grow within the margins of busy mom life. Tune in as Sharon and Cristan dive into creative reinvention, parenting with purpose, building tiny but mighty teams, and the untold story of Barbie’s real-life creator. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, Cristan reminds us: reinvention doesn’t require reinvention overnight—it just takes one brave step at a time. [00:00] Introduction [01:39] Meet Cristan Crocker [02:15] Motherhood by surprise (twins!) and the NICU journey [05:22] Creating space for creativity while raising three boys [08:59] The power of collaboration and creative routines [13:00] Mom traits turned career skills [17:46] Behind the scenes of Tiny Shoulders [22:53] Using storytelling to raise compassionate, curious sons [28:10] Cristan’s advice to moms thinking about what’s next [33:55] Cristan’s passion for local news and community storytelling Meet my guest Cristan Crocker: Instagram: @cristan4 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0188383/?ref_=fn_rvi_i_1 Tiny Shoulders, Rethinking Barbie: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=tiny+shoulders+rethinking+barbie The Other F Word documentary: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.caa9f7a2-a66f-673e-96e8-7530def02d63?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #42 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Deb Mallin, founder of Mighty Doodle. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
We’re hitting rewind with this encore replay of the Mom to MORE® debut episode, featuring a bold reinvention that set the tone for everything that followed. Meet Ellen Friedlander. Originally from Upstate New York, Ellen has lived a life of creativity, movement and reinvention. She has lived in numerous cities across the United States, as well as fifteen years abroad in Hong Kong where she raised her two children. After moving back to the States with her kids and becoming an empty-nester, Ellen moved to Los Angeles in order to pursue her lifelong dream of being an artist. Ellen’s career has seen international success as a result of her unwavering commitment to her craft and her community. Join Sharon and Ellen as they discuss the many rewards of motherhood, the importance of finding time everyday to do what you love, being resilient when starting something new, finding your voice and ultimately, your MORE. Ellen's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passion, kickstart a previous career or chart an entirely new path. As a stay-at-home mom, you can find a way to make your dreams a reality. It will take time, effort and deep belief in yourself - but the transformation that follows is proof that your second act can be your most powerful yet. Recommended books: Brené Brown: Atlas Of The Heart Elizabeth Gilbert: Big Magic Richard Templar: The Rules Of Life Twyla Tharp: The Creative Habit Where to find Ellen Friedlander: Instagram: @emfphoto59 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063961600555&sk=about https://www.ellenfriedlanderphotography.com/ Ellen’s Candid Frame Series: https://www.ibarionex.net/thecandidframe/2020/1/20/the-candid-frame-499-ellen-friedlander Looking for more? Follow along @momtomore on Instagram and Tiktok. Keep an eye out for episode #41 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Cristan Crocker, documentary filmmaker and producer. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Ali Essig—a former Capitol Hill communications director who now empowers women from the kitchen and the Pilates studio. As a holistic plant-based nutritionist, Pilates instructor, and mom of six (including twin boys!), Ali is the founder of PlantWhys, where she helps women heal from the inside out through plant-predominant eating and core-focused movement. Ali’s journey began when her husband suffered a stroke at just 37. Paired with the early loss of her father, this sparked a deep dive into holistic wellness and a shift that transformed her family’s lifestyle. What started as a personal transformation became a passion-fueled purpose to support other moms in building vibrant, resilient lives. Tune in as Sharon and Ali explore practical wellness, finding joy in the mundane, raising responsible kids, and the power of small steps in creating real change. Ali’s motto? Paced progress over perfection. [00:00] Introduction [00:55] Meet Ali Essig [03:20] A family health crisis sparks a mission [06:45] Transitioning a family of eight to plant-predominant eating [08:40] What sets PlantWhys apart from other programs [13:50] Transferring mom skills into entrepreneurship [17:35] Pushing through imposter syndrome [22:45] Non-negotiables for balance as a mom and business owner [25:30] Ali’s advice for her younger self [29:30] Favorite plant-based comfort food Meet my guest Ali Essig: Website: plantwhys.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@plantwhys Instagram: @plantwhys Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #40 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Cristan Crocker, documentary filmmaker and producer. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Ashley Flanagan Slaughter, founder of Sweat for Smiles—a new and unique organization that brings together fitness, wellness, and philanthropy through energizing community events. A former NCAA Division I swimmer and certified nutrition coach, Ashley has raised over $31,000 for charitable causes while inspiring others to move with purpose. Ashley’s story is one of intentional reinvention. Motivated by her own health journey and passion for giving back, she created Sweat for Smiles as a way to connect people through movement and meaningful action—building a community that thrives on service, strength, and joy. Tune in as Sharon and Ashley discuss the power of listening, raising active kids in New York City, the hustle of getting people off screens and into shared spaces, and why Ashley believes movement is more than fitness—it’s a way to build confidence and make an impact. [00:00] Introduction [00:55] Meet Ashley - athlete, mom, and creator of Sweat for Smiles [03:31] How a health scare sparked a fitness mission [06:57] Memorable moments and meaningful impact [08:58] Mom skills that transfer to entrepreneurship [13:46] Overcoming the challenge of getting people in the room [16:48] Raising active boys with balance and boundaries [17:58] Sleep, self-care, and knowing what works for you [18:23] The future of Sweat for Smiles [20:50] Expanding impact through fitness and connection Meet my guest Ashley Slaughter:Instagram: @sweatforsmiles Website: sweatforsmiles.com (everything’s here including a link to sign up for the newsletter) YouTube Fit It In Video Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Tj-1_ew-kHI Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #39 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Ali Essig, Holistic Plant-Based Nutritionist and Founder of PlantWhys. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Lisa Johnson, co-founder of Been There, Got Out and a powerful voice for women navigating high-conflict relationships and legal battles. Lisa is a certified domestic violence advocate, high-conflict divorce strategist, and self-represented litigant whose case was published in the Connecticut Law Journal, a rare honor for a self-represented litigant. Her testimony helped pass Jennifer’s Law in Connecticut, expanding domestic violence definitions to include coercive control. Her reinvention began as she fought to protect her children and herself, ultimately turning her experience into a mission to empower others. A former stay-at-home mom, Lisa now guides people through the toughest parts of divorce and co-parenting. Tune in as Sharon and Lisa dive deep into how motherhood shaped her decisions, the slow unraveling of an unhealthy marriage, and the power of education and advocacy in reclaiming your voice. [00:00] Introduction [00:55] About Lisa Johnson: mom, educator, and advocate [02:41] Choosing stay-at-home motherhood and early dreams of parenting [04:41] Recognizing dysfunction in marriage [07:07] The decision to leave: from fear to action [10:56] Representing herself in court and building a new identity [14:25] Creating Been There, Got Out and finding purpose in advocacy [17:40] Helping others survive family court and toxic co-parenting [21:10] The role of education in healing and change [24:55] Advice for anyone feeling stuck in a harmful relationship [29:03] Why reinvention isn't just survival—it’s transformation Meet My Guest Lisa Johnson: Website: beentheregotout.com If you would like to reach out to Lisa privately: Lisa@BeenThereGotOut.com Co-Author, Been There Got Out-Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, And How To Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances: https://go.sylikes.com/eYDpcJHxN4cT Instagram/TikTok/Pinterest: @been_there_got_out YouTube/Facebook/Twitter @beentheregotout Podcast: https://beentheregotout.buzzsprout.com/ Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #38 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Ashley Flanagan Slaughter, Founder of Sweat For Smiles. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this special Mother's Day mini episode of Mom to MORE®, Sharon reflects on what ducks can teach us about reinvention after motherhood. Sharon shares why your ducks don’t need to be in a row to start your next chapter—and how the messy work you’re already doing is moving you forward. It's the pep talk every mom needs today. Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #37 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Lisa Johnson, co-founder of Been There Got Out, a high conflict divorce strategist and certified domestic violence advocate. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Neha Ruch, a visionary redefining the narrative around motherhood, ambition, and career. Neha is the founder of Mother Untitled, a platform empowering ambitious women who choose to pause or downshift their careers for family life. A Stanford MBA and former brand strategist, she launched Mother Untitled in 2017 to dignify the caregiving years and reframe career breaks. Her debut book, The Power Pause, is already making waves for its empowering take on modern motherhood and identity. Tune in as Sharon and Neha unpack the stereotypes around stay-at-home motherhood, the undervalued skills it builds, and how women can use this time as a powerful launchpad for what’s next. [00:00] Introduction [03:06] Why Neha paused her career despite having her “dream job” [05:30] Discovering identity, belonging, and purpose in early motherhood [06:36] Dealing with pushback from others [08:27] The skill-building power of caregiving [11:30] COVID’s role in validating the “power pause” [15:25] Letting go of outdated motherhood narratives [18:45] Redefining success and writing your own script [22:06] Creating a confident response to “What do you do?” [32:45] How to turn your pause into a foundation for reinvention Meet My Guest Neha Ruch: Website: motheruntitled.com Instagram: @motheruntitled Find The Power Pause here: https://go.sylikes.com/eYxcL44QOZPd Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #36 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Lisa Johnson, co-founder of Been There Got Out, a high conflict divorce strategist and certified domestic violence advocate. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Jennifer Rawlings, a fearless force in comedy, filmmaking, and motherhood. Jennifer is an award-winning performer, writer, and documentarian whose sharp humor has taken her from comedy clubs to war zones. She’s done over 350 military shows, given three TEDx Talks, and created the acclaimed documentary Forgotten Voices: Women in Bosnia, now used at Harvard and UCLA as part of their curriculum. She’s also a proud mom of five. Jennifer shares the tension between motherhood and ambition, from driving carpool in her robe to performing for troops overseas. She opens up about guilt, growth, and how being “just a mom” sparked her filmmaking journey—and why moms are built for reinvention and real-world impact. Tune in for a real, hilarious, and inspiring conversation on finding your “more” beyond motherhood, listening with empathy, and raising your hand—even when you're scared. [00:00] Introduction [01:40] Jennifer’s background and raising five kids in LA [04:05] Trading biology for comedy and taking the leap to stand-up [06:15] The emotional tug-of-war between parenting and pursuing one’s passion [10:44] Saying yes to unexpected opportunities and finding purpose in the process [14:25] Embracing imperfection and how a simple question sparked change [16:36] Making a documentary with zero experience (and zero budget) [21:14] Mom skills that became filmmaking strengths [22:57] Why finding common ground and listening matters more than ever [30:05] Jennifer’s “MORE” and what continues to drive her forward Meet My Guest Jennifer Rawlings: Website: jenniferrawlings.com Instagram: @jenniferrawlings Substack: https://jenniferrawlings.substack.com/ Available on Amazon: “Forgotten Voices :Women in Bosnia” a film by Jennifer Rawlings https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Voices-Bosnia-Jennifer-Rawlings/dp/B07475LS8G Please click below to watch Jennifer’s TEDX talks and read an essay from The New York Times: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWp3jzwOK40&t=180s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHYcJE6gmsw http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/in-a-comics-war-stories-humor-sometimes-takes-the-back-seat/ Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #35 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Neha Ruch, Founder of Mother Untitled and author of The Power Pause. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Natalie Silverstein, a powerhouse in the world of service, philanthropy, and family engagement. Natalie is an author, speaker, nonprofit founder, and advocate for youth and family service. She wrote Simple Acts: The Busy Family's Guide to Giving Back and The Busy Teen’s Guide to Making a Difference, both of which provide practical ways for families to incorporate service into their lives. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast Simple Acts, Big Impact, where she celebrates young changemakers. Natalie shares her journey from public health to full-time motherhood, discovering her passion for youth-focused philanthropy along the way. She opens up about the challenges of stepping away from her career, the impact of raising compassionate children through volunteering, and how small steps in service and reinvention can lead to life-changing outcomes. She also discusses her family’s experience with her husband's early-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis and how they transformed it into a mission for advocacy and scientific advancement. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on following your passions, raising service-minded children, and taking that first leap toward your “more.” [00:00] Introduction [01:40] Natalie’s background and transition to full-time motherhood [05:09] Feeling lost after stepping away from a career [07:40] The power of volunteering and modeling service for children [10:44] Creating a community resource for family-friendly service opportunities [13:53] Essential mom skills that translate to leadership and nonprofit work [19:03] The science behind the “helper’s high” and why giving back feels good [22:38] Taking risks and why you miss 100% of the chances you don’t take [30:17] Turning a family challenge into a mission [34:33] The power of kindness and giving yourself and others grace Meet My Guest Natalie Silverstein: Website: SimpleActsGuide.comInstagram + Facebook: @SimpleActsGuide Natalie’s books: Simple Acts, The Busy Family’s Guide to Giving Back: https://go.sylikes.com/eYqgiveIvSnb Simple Acts, The Busy Teen’s Guide to Making A Difference: https://go.sylikes.com/eYqgiFRZsNHy Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #34 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Jennifer Rawlings, comedian, award-winning writer, filmmaker and mom of 5. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Kathleen Smith, founder of MorphMom, a multimedia platform dedicated to educating, inspiring, empowering, and connecting women as they navigate their next chapters. After earning degrees from Holy Cross and Georgetown Law, Kathleen served as an assistant prosecutor before stepping away from her career to raise her children. She soon realized re-entering the workforce wasn’t as simple as she had hoped. This inspired her to create MorphMom, a space where women could share their journeys, support one another, and find inspiration to take their next steps. Kathleen shares her personal story of reinvention, the challenges of rediscovering her identity, the importance of saying yes to opportunities, taking baby steps, and embracing the power of storytelling. She also discusses the impact of MorphMom’s live events, where women come together to connect and support each other in their career and life transitions. Tune in for a conversation filled with encouragement, practical advice, and empowering insights for any mom considering her next move in life. [00:00] Introduction [02:45] Kathleen’s journey from prosecutor to full-time mom [06:29] The struggles of stepping away from a career [09:30] Lessons learned from working in the prison system [12:55] The moment Kathleen realized she had lost her sense of identity [17:51] The power of storytelling in personal growth [20:44] Advice for moms considering their next chapter [22:26] The importance of pivoting and evolving in career reinvention [26:53] MorphMom’s impact and how women can get involved Meet My Guest Kathleen Smith: Website: https://www.morphmom.com Check for upcoming events on the website! Instagram: @morphmomFacebook: MorphMom Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #33 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by the multi-hyphenated mom Natalie Silverstein, author, writer, nonprofit founder, and passionate advocate for family and youth service. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Katie Greer, a trailblazing internet safety expert, keynote speaker, and mom of two. From her beginnings in law enforcement to becoming a sought-after authority on digital safety, Katie shares her journey of building a meaningful career while balancing motherhood and self-care. Katie began her career at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, creating programs to help families and schools navigate online safety. Featured in major outlets like USA Today and Time, she’s now pursuing a PhD in Criminology, focusing on teens and technology. Katie shares practical tips for creating a safer digital environment at home, insights on setting boundaries with devices, and the power of self-care in becoming a better parent. Tune in for relatable advice on managing the mental load, finding your identity beyond motherhood, and fostering healthy relationships with technology—for you and your kids. [00:00] Introduction [01:32] Katie’s journey as a mom and raising kids near Boston [03:02] Balancing career aspirations with motherhood [07:45] Finding identity beyond being a mom [12:20] From law enforcement to becoming an internet safety expert [15:27] Essential digital safety tips for families [18:26] Kids embracing device-free schools and activities [22:51] Creating tech-free zones and quality family time [25:16] The importance of accepting help and normalizing support [27:35] Katie’s advice for moms starting a reinvention journey [35:02] Katie’s MORE: Prioritizing self-care to thrive as a mom Meet My Guest Katie Greer: Website: https://www.klgreer.com/ Want Katie to speak at your school, community organization, or parent group? She’s passionate about educating families about the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity and keeping kids safe online. To inquire, visit Katie’s website. Instagram: @katielgreer Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #32 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Kathleen Smith, Founder of Morphmom. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey is joined by Caryn Carruthers, cookbook author, photographer, ceramicist, and health enthusiast. Caryn shares her journey from a high-powered career in mechanical engineering to becoming a stay-at-home mom and creative entrepreneur. With a passion for healthy living inspired by her personal challenges with food allergies, Caryn authors the blog Tasty and Free and is the creator of Smorgasbowl, a beautifully photographed cookbook that offers a roadmap for creating delicious, nutritious, and allergy-friendly meals. Caryn discusses her journey to intentional living through her cooking, photography, and ceramic artistry, sharing her insights into balancing parenthood with creativity. She provides practical advice on creating balanced meals, embracing challenges, and trusting the process, whether in parenting, cooking, or life. Tune in for this inspiring conversation filled with practical advice, delicious recipes, and insights into creating a meaningful life centered around family and creativity! [00:00] Introduction [01:09] Meet Caryn Carruthers: From engineer to creative mom [03:56] The genesis of Caryn's love of cooking and family meals [05:38] Addressing food allergies and Caryn's personal health journey [09:05] How Caryn manages her family's food sensitivities [12:10] Raising kids while fostering creativity and pursuing passions [16:13] Caryn's four pillars for building a balanced meal bowl [19:05] The challenges of balancing motherhood, blogging, and writing a cookbook [28:11] Caryn's favorite recipes and their versatility [31:34] Caryn's MORE Meet My Guest Caryn Carruthers: Blog: Tasty 'n Free Instagram: @TastyNFree Cookbook: Smorgasbowl Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #31 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Katie Greer, internet security expert. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Missy Tannen, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Boll & Branch, the luxury home goods company known for its award-winning 100% organic cotton sheets. From her roots as a third-grade teacher to building a renowned brand, Missy shares her journey of reinvention, innovation, and balancing life as a mom of three. Missy reveals how her attention to detail and commitment to sustainability shaped Boll & Branch’s iconic sheets and drove her vision for ethical production. She also opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the pivotal moments that helped the brand reach its 10th-anniversary milestone. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that showcases Missy’s journey of growth, resilience, and innovation, with family at the heart of her work. She continues to lead with passion and a commitment to doing things differently. [00:00] Introduction [01:04] Missy’s Southern roots and life as a mom in New Jersey [05:01] The hilarious inception story of Boll & Branch during a bedroom upgrade [07:52] Building a sustainable brand with 100% organic cotton [13:57] Why thread quality matters more than thread count [17:28] Leveraging mom skills to grow a business [20:46] Facing struggles and taking risks to grow Boll & Branch [26:20] Overcoming imposter syndrome in a male-dominated industry [31:49] Creating a supportive, women-centered workplace [33:28] Missy’s advice for moms starting their reinvention journey [34:23] Missy’s MORE Meet My Guest Missy Tannen: Website: bollandbranch.com Instagram: @bollandbranch Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #30 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Caryn Carruthers, food writer, photographer and healthy living mama. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey is joined by Jo Piazza, international bestselling author, acclaimed podcast creator, and mom of three feral children. Jo’s books, including The Sicilian Inheritance, We Are Not Like Them, and How to Be Married, have been published internationally and optioned for film and TV. She’s also the creative force behind podcasts like Under the Influence, which explores the influencer economy, and Committed, featuring stories about modern relationships. Jo shares her unique perspective on how she dedicates those precious 6 hours a day to work when her kids are in school, while balancing an impressive career in writing and podcasting while raising her three children. With humor and authenticity, she discusses the challenges of maintaining efficiency, prioritizing self-care, and embracing the chaos of motherhood. Tune in for a rich conversation that dives into Jo’s creative process, her thoughts on the evolving landscape of motherhood, and the inspiration behind her latest best-selling novel, The Sicilian Inheritance. [00:00] Introduction [02:33] Jo’s journey as a working mom balancing motherhood and a career in storytelling [05:43] Embracing imperfection: Why “done is better than perfect.” [07:30] How motherhood has influenced Jo’s creative voice [12:08] The importance of self-care in the thick of parenting [18:59] Accepting help to thrive as a mom and creator. [22:58] The Sicilian Inheritance: A twisty, poignant novel exploring motherhood and ambition [27:24] Jo’s MORE - Hint: It involves taking to the skies! Meet My Guest Jo Piazza Instagram: @JoPiazzaAuthor Podcast: Under the Influence Substack: Over the Influence Website: https://www.jopiazza.com/ Jo’s most recent best-selling novel, The Sicilian Inheritance: https://go.sylikes.com/eNyVoRDkfHry Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #29 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Missy Tannen, co-founder of the luxury bedding company Boll & Branch. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥